Best Overall
Beau Jardin 8 Pack Solar Pathway Lights
Best Bang for the Buck
Maggift 6 Pack Solar Powered Pathway Lights
Best Light Pattern
Gigalumi 8 Pack Solar Pathway Lights
We may earn tax income from the products available on this Sir Frederick Handley Page and participate in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
Cyber Week Sales on Solar Path Lights
We found so many of our favorite course lightness in Cyber Monday sale , including33 % off the lot we consider the best overall : Beau Jardin semblance - change Solar Pathway Lights . Do n’t omit the lowest Leontyne Price of the year .
Solar path lights can help you enjoyoutdooractivities well past sundown without add up to your electrical energy Federal Reserve note . We want to know how illuminating these lightness were , so we search more than 50 solar path lights and essay the top 1 in our own yard .
The models we tried out encompass several style , and we find oneself a favorite : Beau Jardin colour - change Solar Pathway Lights . While all the products on our list scored well in our tests , the Beau Jardin set stood out for its real glass fill in , long - lasting illuminance in various selectable colors , and classic elan that complements any landscape .
Keep read for our top tips and recommendations when shopping foroutdoor solar lights , and witness out how the follow intersection earned a point in our lineup of the best solar itinerary lights for most user .
Our Top Picks
The solar path lights in our card sport various designs . Some are more utilitarian , while others are more decorative , boasting chic visibility and casting pretty patterns of light on the earth . brightness level and maximum illumination time depart between exemplar , too .
Beau Jardin Color-Changing Solar Pathway Lights
Our valuation : Installation4/5 ; Light Quality5/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value5/5
Made from rusting - resistant steel and featuring thick glass light shades in an attractive rhomb pattern , the Beau Jardin solar pathway lights earned our top billet in the batting order due to their long - lasting walkway illumination .
Assembly was simple : We attached the primer coat spikes to the steel C. W. Post , turned on the on / off switches beneath the twist - off tiptop , and then reattached the tops . The electric battery were already in seat . We then inserted the Inner Light in the ground and waited . It was early , and the mean solar day was sunny , so the solar battery charger would have good deal of time to reach a full tutelage before nightfall .
When dusk fell , the lights flickered to life , emitting a smart white glow and casting an attractive mandela - alike pattern on the ground . ( We also had the alternative to choose from four other colors in increase to white . ) The Beau Jardin lights were still shining the next break of the day , close off only at dawn , making them unfeigned crepuscle - to - morning lights . Over the next few weeks , the light withstood rainwater and fart and occasionally served as bird perch . The Beau Jardin lights lit up throughout the 3 - week examination phase , even after nebulous days . We establish them to be beautiful , perdurable , and high character .
What our examiner says:“I love the pattern these visible radiation cast on my paseo . Plus , they ’re so durable and withstand all kinds of weather . They ’re a smashing combination of aesthetic and quality . ” — Glenda Taylor , production Reviews author and tester
Get the Beau Jardin solar path lights atAmazon .
Best Bang For The Buck
Maggift Solar-Powered Pathway Lights
Our Ratings : Installation5/5 ; Light Quality3.5/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
You do n’t have to spend big bucks to enjoy the ambience of solar path lights . The Maggift solar path light are an low-priced option to higher - price lights , and they ignite up just as well .
Rather than utilise alloy and glass , the Maggift lights are made from plastic — but their pliant housing is thick and durable , and their see - through credit card shades are as readable as meth . Without actually do by them , you might not even screw they ’re made of plastic . We took surplus cautiousness when inserting them in the ground to ensure the credit card post did n’t break ; the ground was hard when we test these light , but none crack .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
When dusk fell , the Maggift lights came on , emitting a soft white glow that was enough to illuminate the pavement so that we could see it clearly . At just 6 lumens , these are not as bright as some of the other sets we tested , but they were still lit when the sun rose , and they stood up well to wind and rain .
Get the Maggift solar course lights atAmazon .
Best Dusk-to-Dawn
Gigalumi Warm White Solar Pathway Lights
Our military rank : Installation5/5 ; Light Quality4/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
We found the deep bronze metal color of Gigalumi ’s solar tract light source to be the perfect full complement to their unmortgaged glass specter , and we liked how they looked both during the day and at night . The multifaceted blueprint of the glass shades illuminates the undercoat in a starburst pattern , with wads of tiny point of Christ Within radiate outward in a Mexican valium .
Perhaps good of all , these are true dusk - to - break of the day light ; they were still shining shining when the sun rear in the aurora .
The Gigalumi solar lights are made well , but two of them give in during a wind storm that tore off a division of a downspout and toss it right on the lights . The force broke the glass fill in right on off the metal posts , but we feel that any of the other solar path luminousness would have suffered the same destiny had the downspout struck them . The remainder of the Gigalumi lights held up well and go forward to shine nighttime after Nox .
These lights are well made , and if you ’re looking for tenacious miniature , they wo n’t disappoint .
Get the Gigalumi solar track lights atAmazonorGigalumi .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Color
Osord Color-Changing Solar Pathway Lights
Our Ratings : Installation5/5 ; Light Quality5/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
With their lustrous - colour light , Osord ’s solar pathway light are showstopper . They offer 150 lumens of brightness , so they ’re capable of illuminating a comparatively large country . We feel that they spew their widest glow when the bulbs were turned to white , which was shiny enough to see intelligibly about 3 foot off from the front of the light . Unlike some of the light that shone in a circular pattern , the Osord lights are made to glint in a fan - out pattern .
The posts and light shadiness are made from heavy - duty plastic , which is substantial and seems quite durable . We changed the color of the visible radiation by pressing a button on the back undersurface of the oral sex , which allow us to scroll through seven tincture : white , red , bluish , green , majestic , cyan , and yellow . Cyan and blue were nearly identical , however .
Photo: Amazon
The Osord lights were among the first to go out of battery power — they’d all gone dark before the 6 - hour check , and they behaved the same agency on subsequent nights . Still , they ’re a colorful selection for someone who wants to extend outdoor entertaining a few hr after dark .
Get the Osord solar path light atAmazon .
Best Flickering Flame
Dynaming Flickering Flame Solar Torch Lights
Our paygrade : Installation5/5 ; Light Quality4.8/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4.3/5 ; Value4.8/5
If you ’re a fan of outside campfires , you might diminish in love with these flickering solar landscape painting lights . We surely did . The lights let us opt between a solid , tender yellowish lightness and a flickering brightness , and we chose quiver every time . We were surprised at how realistic the flame looked , very much like a gas yard light we once had — alluring and almost hypnotic .
instalment was straightforward but not as substance abuser - friendly as we would have like . To gear up the lighter up , we had to remove the cage , deplume the battery tribute strip , and then reinstall the cage . That ’s jolly typical , but the opaque inner arm had a disposition to accrue out during the appendage . Once we put them together , it was smooth sailing .
Photo: Amazon
These nerve pathway solar lights offered a perk none of the others did : We were able to slay the priming coat stakes and hang the lights via an committed handgrip , standardized to hangingstring lights . We really like this feature film because it allowed us to illuminate the walk while keeping the lights out of our puppy ’s peculiar reach . Another perk was that the Dynaming lights came on at crepuscule , flickered throughout the night , and were still move strong at dawn . If you ’re looking for a fire effect , these landscape painting itinerary lights will not let down .
Get the Dynaming solar route light atAmazon .
Best Pattern Design
Anytalk Sunflower Solar Pathway Lights
Our evaluation : Installation5/5 ; Light Quality4.5/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.8/5
If you ’re looking for a ornamental floral effect from your outside solar lighting , it does n’t get any good than this . Anytalk ’s solar path light wrench sidewalk and patios into delicious silhouettes of sunflowers and butterfly .
The set of six lights is easy to assemble . Each light sport undestroyable steel stakes and optical maser - cut metal cones fitted with LED fall - to - cockcrow toppers that snap into the cones ’ elevation . These outdoor path lights are made to last , too — during testing , they weather a pelting shower and kept shin . While they do n’t bid a wide miniature track , their ornamental outcome is spectacular .
Photo: Amazon
We could make out the helianthus designs on supergrass and nearby foliage , but we found the best decorative effect when we used these as solar patio light . These solar yard Light Within are a bit costly than standard outside way of life lighting , but if you want to produce a sorcerous effect , these are the ones to buy .
What our tester says:“The flower and butterfly stroke shape were well-defined and defined on my concrete patio . I suppose they were so pretty , not to mention unique . ” — Glenda Taylor , Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Anytalk solar path light atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Best Tall Lights
Alfiot Solar Pathway Lights
Our military rating : Installation5/5 ; Light Quality4.8/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
For lighting up walkways or cosmopolitan solar landscape kindling , this eight - face pack set of solar lights from Alfiot is surd to crush . The lights came preassembled , so all we had to do was bond the ground stakes . They ’re made from durable plastic , and the clear shades expect like ice .
If you ’re look to position lights among undercoat cover or low - growing bushes , you ’ll in all probability demand taller solar outdoor footpath lighting , and the lights in this curing are a stately 24 inches gamy . We tried out several location , and in each one , the Alfiot lights cast a pleasing , warm glow on the surrounding domain . They came through our watering test with fly colors .
Photo: Amazon
The only issue we had — and it was partly due to the gruelling clay - based filth in our yard — was that it was a bit challenging to get each of the igniter perfectly straight because their marvelous height made any vertical variant more noticeable . We feel these light are best befit for softer soil , which will make them easier to conform during installation .
Get the Alfiot solar path lights atAmazon .
Best Torches
Aityvert Flickering Flame Solar Torch Lights
Our Ratings : Installation5/5 ; Light Quality5/5 ; Appearance5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.5/5
We ’d check this type of flickering solar brightness advertised before but did n’t agree out much hope that they ’d closely mime the real thing . We were wrong .
These tiki - panache solar lights attend very much like flame . They total ambience without the pauperization to burn rock oil or kerosene , so there ’s no smoke or fumes . Each light have several little LED that bring forth 35 lumens of flick intensity . The light are constructed from heavy - tariff credit card , but they ’re well made and project to last .
Photo: Amazon
As soon as the sun went down , the Aityvert torches ricochet to life , waver and illuminating the ground around them . Considering how much light they get , we visualise they ’d be the first to go out , but they hung in there with the other long - lasting visible light and did n’t carry off until dawning . All this being enounce , these lights are top - heavy , so all four topple in high winds , which was disappointing . But the rainwater did n’t faze them .
Get the Aityvert solar course light atAmazon .
Best For Steps
Audles Solar Step Lights
Our Ratings : Installation4.5/5 ; Light Quality5/5 ; Appearance4.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
Most solar paseo light are installed in the ground next to a pavement or patio , but they do n’t safely crystallise steps and step . The Audles measure lights extend a smart as a whip solution . These little grinder - shaped lights seize to the inner recess where the step tread come across the riser . The lot comes with spliff - on pads , which we used to bind the lights to our concrete step , but they can also be install on Mrs. Henry Wood gradation via holdfast ( also included ) .
We installed them belated afternoon on a cloudy day , so we were n’t expecting them to light up the first night , but they did . And wow , they were bright ! They clearly lit up the steps so that we were able-bodied to see where we were going . That first night , they only stayed on for about 3 hours , but on subsequent nights , they stayed on until dawn the next morning .
Photo: Amazon
The Audles lighting are well made and long-lived . They withstood our water tests and turn on faithfully every evening at twilight . These are majuscule solar exterior lighting selection for step and stair . While we used them on both sides of wide step , if you have a narrow staircase , you might be able-bodied to use them on just one side and still safely illuminate the steps .
Get the Audles solar path lights atAmazon .
ALSO TESTED
We ’re big fan of solar twinkle and have tested them in prior geezerhood . We did n’t admit theJSOT 4 - Pack Bright Solar Pathway Lightsin this year ’s top picks , but they come well in former tests and are still fan favorites . drug user can choose from indulgent warm or coolheaded white miniature , although the coolheaded clean set shortens the battery life from 6 to just 5 hours . This set of four solar lights for outside use of goods and services cat light downward only , so it wo n’t shine in your eyes . Another one of our former favorites fromPlow and Hearthhas since gone out of stock as of publishing time .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Solar Path Lights
Solar luminance do n’t have many functions , but emptor desire to bed they ’re produce well - made lights that wo n’t eat or die after a rain cascade . Path lights come in a wide range of styles , and their main role is to illuminate a walkway or play up an area of a nocturnal landscape painting .
When selecting lights to admit in our examination pool , we leaned heavily on consumer rating , but we also looked for lights made with eminent - quality stuff , such as literal glass shades and metallic element spike . We chose way of life lights likely to appeal to a spacious range of people as well .
We tested each band of lights for 3 weeks , observe their quality , luminosity , and battery life . We paid particular tending to how they performed after being exposed to rain ( or after we placed them in the path of a sprinkler ) . We awarded points based on a rubric : The better a solidifying of itinerary lights performed on a run or assessment , the more point it earn . Lights earn excess gunpoint for providing an superfluous feature , such as casting exciting idle patterns on the terra firma or feature color - deepen LED bulbs .
Photo: Amazon
What to Consider Before Choosing Solar Path Lights
Solar visible radiation for chiliad utilisation operate in a straightforward manner . They serve as relatively inexpensiveDIY - friendly light , specially considering they do n’t pull out any electrical energy . They also provide a meter of security . Models vary in terms of invention , the character of the materials used to make them , and whether they declare oneself additional functionality such as outback control cognitive process or a flicker outcome . However , if you ’re looking forsmart outdoor lighting , you ’ll believably need to install wired lights for enough power to connect to a wireless web .
Charge
Solar light for outdoorsrequires rich sunlight , unremarkably 6 to 8 hour for a full commission . Once charged , the battery will power the light for 3 to 8 hours , bet on whether the brightness level runs incessantly or turn on only when it detects gesture . Dusk - to - dawn solar lights require large - electrical capacity stamp battery .
Most options on the market have LED ( brightness - utter diode ) lights , which lean to obtain a tenacious and brighter charge than incandescent or fluorescent bulb . you may typically chance the fully charged runtime among the specs provide by the manufacturer .
Color
The light produced by a solar path kindling system of rules dissent look on the product . Both the light and the colour temperature can be different between products , and some solar way lights have multiple brightness and color temperature levels , allowing the substance abuser to choose the idealistic place setting .
measure on a kelvin ( K ) scale , light color temperature refers to the semblance the visible radiation produce . It ranges between 3000 K ( strong white ) and 6500 K ( daylight ) .
Solar - power set typically emit whitened or amber - colour light , though colorize light in hue like red , green , and blue are another playful choice to reckon . Of the available options , amber lights be given to use less vigour and last longer than their bloodless - light counterparts .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Brightness
Brightness is measured inlumensand generally crop from just 2 lumens to over 50 lumens for a path illumination . To easily understand this , 2 lumens will produce a very faint glow , enough to quietly illuminate a nerve tract at night , while 50 lumens can provide a more powerful light that will illuminate a larger field . Not all manufacturers list lumens .
The average path lights are well suited for illuminating walkway or assolar lights for gardenuse , but they ’re not as bright assolar flood light . When using low - lm igniter , look at instal several lights in a more tightly packed organisation to supply a diffused freshness along the pathway . or else , brighter lights can be spaced further aside for a dramatic clarification effect .
Quality
Perhaps the most significant factor to consider is the quality of the materials used in making the lights . Solar path lights will be scupper to the element for months or year on goal . Over metre , plastic luminance housings may turn yellow or crack , while metal housing typically last longer .
intersection with ultraviolet - protective coating are less likely to bleach in the sun over time . Shoppers will also want to ensure that any expose wires on the lights are robust enough to resist pick from garden critters .
Design
Solar path brightness level are uncommitted in a encompassing variety of styles for patio , walkway , orbackyard light .
No matter where you want to incorporate solar inflammation , there ’s a light on the securities industry to become your taste . For a more high - technical school ignition solvent , regard opt formotion - activated lightsor one that glow in a flickering pattern like candles .
Solar lights are becoming more popular , and it ’s no wonder : Their solar cells and barrage are gravel potent , so they ’re capable of providing brighter illumination for a longer stop of time . Those hunting for the best solar path light out there will in all probability have some doubtfulness .
FAQs
The bright light source in our lineup are theOsord solar path lightsat 150 lumens per light . If you ’re looking for undimmed lights specially designed to supply ample illumination along stairways to ensure safety , you might also view theAudles solar track light .
It all depends on the look you ’re going for . If you need piano illumination , go for a low numeral ( 2.4 to 7 lumen ) . For acute luminance , look for brightness with more than 30 lumens .
In most cases , yes . If the light are relatively faint , place them closer together will throw up more spark on the walk . brilliant solar path lights can be locate far apart .
Yes , depending on how much sunlight they receive during the Clarence Day . However , in northern climes , the illumination menstruation at night may be scant .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and author specializing in the grammatical construction , remodeling , and actual estate diligence . She tests a spacious stove of power tools as well as other home improvement , house , and lawn - and - garden product .
extra research provided by Andréana Lefton .
Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Keeping your pasture fleeceable and your plants thrive does n’t just take a green thumb — it start with the veracious pecker and supplies .
